David Da Silva says he is “excited” at becoming Moreton Bay United Women’s Head Coach for next season - and already has detailed plans in place.
Having coached Jets’ Under 18s in 2014 and Under 16s this year, David knows the club and its “passion for providing quality football in the region”.
Now, as our women’s head coach for 2021, David will be "primarily focused on challenging each individual so they can be the best version of themselves, on and off the park," he said.
“There is value for both boys and girls in this approach. It means we are developing people, not just players - and philosophically, it aligns with my core values.
“The board is ready to challenge the status quo and it was clear the club’s strong values of fairness and equity will ensure a forward-thinking approach can be successful.”
David, who has an Asia A Coaching Licence, is aiming to increase the number of Jets’ juniors in the senior squad, our finishing positions on the WNPL ladder and the number players going on to play at levels above the WNPL.
To reach those targets he will draw on experience and success as coach of the NTC/QAS Girls from 2016-19 and winning the NPLW Grand Final in 2018.
David was also Brisbane Roar assistant coach when it won the Premiers Plate and St Peter’s Lutheran College Technical Director when its First XI won the AIC Premiership.
He believes this individualised approach, over three years, will help Jets be a “clear leader” of player and coach development in Queensland and recognised around the country.
“I want to stress that this is still viewed as a long-term project,” he said, “one of the key priorities is to keep many quality people - and get many who were at this club, back to the club. This includes roles needed both on and off the field.
“Since 2018 the club has seen a number of players make the W-League and a few represent the Junior Matildas and Young Matildas.
“Moreton Bay United will aim to be an environment that supports each individual (players and coaches) as they pursue their dreams of making our first team, W-League and national teams such as the Matildas, Young Matildas and Junior Matildas.”
David also paid tribute to Jets’ current coach Ben Fuhrmann and the squad: “I want to wish Ben and the team all the best for the remainder of the season.
"It has no doubt been difficult year, so it was very pleasing to see the team competing against the likes of The Gap and pushing them all the way.
“I am sure the group will continue to work hard for each other and hopefully get a few results for their efforts.”
David’s playing career included representing Brisbane North from Under 12-16 but finishing aged 17 due to “limited pathways, limited access to quality coaching and a lack of enjoyment”, he said.
His coaching career began in 2009 as assistant to Football Brisbane Under 14 Silver. From 2009-14 he coached at the Kelvin Grove College of Excellence in Soccer program and ACE Junior Premier League (JPL) from 2010-12.
There followed spells at St Peter’s Lutheran College 2010-13; UQFC Super Youth League 2013-16 and as UQ's BPL Head Coach in 2016.
David has a Masters of Sports Coaching and Bachelor (Hon’s) Applied Science, Human Movement Student (Education) from the University of Queensland.